Work permit renewal rules tighten

Foreign workers in China are being warned renewals of existing work permits and residence visas will automatically be rejected if they are made within 30 days of the expiry date.

26th January, 2018

In a move apparently designed to ensure compliance with visa expiry dates, the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs (SAFEA 国家外国专家局) made the announcement that, "all applications to renew Chinese work permits must be submitted at least 30 days before the expiration of their permit."

While it has previously been possible for tardy expatriates to rush through their visa renewals, using their application receipts in lieu of a valid visa for any overstay, this will no longer be possible after February 28, 2018, when the new regulation takes effect.

An applicant for a visa renewal who has been rejected due to the new regulations will now need to leave the country and restart their applications for a work permit and visa from beginning.

The change comes on the back of a new system for applications, which has also lengthened the necessary processing period. As such, ILS China is advising all clients with overseas staff to begin their work permit and visa renewals with 90 days before the expiry date.